Rail yard dust subdued

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Another layer of dust suppressant was applied to the KiwiRail yard in Temuka on Friday, a procedure that will be ongoing until the site is completely upgraded, starting in February.

Long suffering neighbours of the Hally Tce site are pleased it is receiving more suppressant after enduring about 20 months of dust clouds caused by heavy trucks on the shingle yard.

Enforcement action was taken in October when ECan served KiwiRail notice under the Resource Management Act air quality rules.

The suppressant agent, requires regular reapplication to maintain its effectiveness.

KiwiRail general manager operations and freight Aaron Templeton said the second layer was delayed temporarily until some potholes were fixed in the yard.

Timaru Herald understands that the suppressant costs about $30,000.

"We don't know how long it lasts because it varies depending on the site and the weather conditions. In the old days we used to use diesel," Mr Templeton said.

A nearby resident who did not want to be named said she had been really pleased with recent communication with KiwiRail and she hoped the Timaru District Council maintained the roads around the yard, such as Denmark St.

"It would be good if they got a team and cleaned it up."

Poor drainage meant that when it rained, mud had been dispersed on to the road.

Plans for the permanent upgrade of the yard include better drainage and sealing the yard.